Summer is upon us and there is no better time than now to be a well-equipped cook. Whether you're an aspiring cook or a seasoned one who just needs to refresh your kitchen essentials, owning basic kitchen tools is always a step in the right direction. A delicious meal starts with the right tools.

IKEA is well known for its DIY furniture, but it also has great finds for the kitchen.

  1. VARDAGEN 8-inch chef's knife, dark gray: Made of molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel to keep the knife sharp over time, this knife's sturdy blade makes for easy dividing and chopping of foods such as meats and root vegetables. The knife's tang runs through the length of the handle, making it very wear-resistant and balanced ($14.99).
  2. SKALAD paring knife 3-inch, blue: The included knife protector keeps the knife blade safe in the kitchen drawer and makes it practical and safe to bring the knife on a picnic. The handy paring knife is suitable for peeling and trimming fruit and vegetables. Sharpen the knife at regular intervals to restore its shape. It's available instore only ($1.49).
  3. APTITLIG butcher block, bamboo: The chopping board collects food juice in the milled groove and prevents it from spilling on to your countertop. You can easily turn the chopping board and use both sides when you prepare food, because it has easy-to-grip slanted edges. It can also be placed over the bowl on a BOHOLMEN, BREDSKÄR or FYNDIG sink to get an extra work surface for preparing food. The block is made of bamboo, which is an easy-care, durable, natural material that is also gentle on your knives. The weight provides a stable base for cutting ($19.99).
  4. IKEA 365+ HJÄLTE tongs, stainless steel, black: Gentle to pots and pans with non-stick coating, these tongs provide a firm grip in the handle. They can be used as salad servers as well ($4.99).
  5. PÅBJUDA whisk, set of 2, stainless steel: A whisk is a kitchen essential for beating eggs, blending and whipping simple ingredients ($2.99).
  6. FANTAST digital meat thermometer/timer, black: The thermometer measures temperatures up to 480°F/250°C. The cord is heat-resistant up to 480 F/250 C. AAA size 1.5V battery required, sold separately. The magnet on the back allows it to stick to a refrigerator, too ($6.99).
  7. IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL garlic press, black: The garlic chamber is easy to clean as it opens flat, and it works with unpeeled cloves. The press handles provide a firm grip ($6.99).